Alayna B. Perry

Alayna B. Perry, 90, born in 1933, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Karen Acres Nursing Home. She was a graduate of East High School; Drake University with a Bachelor of Music in Voice; American University, Washington, D.C. with a Master’s degree in Music Education; Columbia University, New York; doctoral studies in Music Iconology; and the Graduate Center of City University of New York. She was a member of Mensa and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.

Miss Perry sang opera, oratorio, song recitals throughout New York City and the east, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall with such conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Leopold Stowkowski, Zubio Mehta, Lorin Maazel and Sir Thomas Beecham. During this time, she was also invited as a cultural exchange program soloist for song recitals, touring 38 cities in 12 countries of South and Central American for 3 months. She later began teaching in New York City, including choral director, voice lessons, music history, language diction, acting and directing musicals at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Cathedral High School and LaGuardia Community College of the City University of New York. Upon returning to Des Moines, she taught at Carlisle High School and then 20 years at DMACC Urban Campus.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print